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WASHINGTON: US military institutions are struggling to fill the 66 slots they had kept aside for officers from Pakistan for the next academic year, as the Trump administration refused to provide funds for their training, official sources said.
The fund for training Pakistani officers came from the US government’s International Military Education and Training Programme (IMET) but no funds were made available for Pakistan for the next academic year.
Dawn first learned about the suspension from the US National Defence University (NDU), Washington, which has had reserved seats for Pakistani officers for more than a decade now. The outgoing Pakistani officers, however, were told that the university has been asked to fill the positions for the next year with officers from other nations.
The NDU is one of several US military institutions that train officers from Pakistan. The Trump administration announced early this year that it was suspending security assistance to Pakistan over differences on Afghanistan but indicated that training programmes for military officers will continue.
The cancellation of slots kept aside for Pakistani officers, however, shows that the suspension now also applies to training programmes.
American officials are worried the Trump administration’s decision could undermine a key trust-building measure
The United States had severed security ties with Pakistan in early 1990s as well over the country’s nuclear programme but US officials later acknowledged that it was a mistake. They argued that the severance created a situation which allowed the Taliban, Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups to develop roots in Pakistan.
Pakistani officers have been receiving military training and education in the United States since early 1960s, which were suspended in the 1990s but restored after the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The decision to suspend military training for Pakistani officers was also reported by an international news agency, Reuters, which observed that both the US and Pakistani officials were criticising the move, privately.
“US officials said they were worried the decision could undermine a key trust-building measure. Pakistani officials warned it could push their military to further look to China or Russia for leadership training,” the report added.
Dan Feldman, a former US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, called the move “very short-sighted and myopic”.
“This will have lasting negative impacts limiting the bilateral relationship well into the future,” Mr Feldman told Reuters.
A State Department spokesperson told journalists in Washington that the IMET cancellations were valued at $2.41 million so far. At least two other programmes have also been affected, the spokesperson said.
Previously, it was not just Pakistan that valued the training and education its officers received in the US.
US military institutions also proudly owned training officers who assumed senior positions after returning home, such as the former army chief, Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, and Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar, the current director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence.
“This is an unfortunate and ultimately counterproductive decision. There are certainly ways to send a strong message to Pakistan, but this isn’t the way to do it,” Michael Kugelman, an expert of Pakistan affairs at a Washington think tank, the Wilson Center, told Dawn.
“This move could squander what little goodwill and trust remains in the military-to-military relationship, and it reduces the likelihood that Pakistan will act in the ways that Washington would like it to act.”
Mr Kugelman noted that there was a long history of educational and training cooperation between the US and Pakistani militaries, and this cooperation had withstood the pressures and tensions of the relationship.
“The fact that these educational exchanges have suffered this blow now suggests that the relationship could be entering into a new phase where even the supposedly safe and protected dimensions of the relationship can become casualties of wider tensions and ill will,” he said.
Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2018
Comments (120) Closed
dont ask us to help you in Afghanistan!!!
And we were told that the inception of PTI government will give better reputation of Pakistan to the world. "I am afraid, The start is not very promising.
No more friends with Pakistan is what the US is saying. A very trubulent storm for IK to steer through..
Perhaps a blessing in the long run.
That is why Pakistan cannot trust US, after so many promises, they break all of them.
Russia already offered new military officers programme.
US has lost its place as a world leader under Trump. There is going to be no reciprocity when America needs any favors. China and Russia will fill in the void....this is not necessarily a good thing but it is what it is.
Good news Pakistan. The more we will be far from US influence, it will be good for the country. Pakistan should maintain minimum possible relationship during Trump Administration. We can hope the next administration will consist of rational and sane people.
Historically US-Pak relations passed through turbulence at different times. Pak has honor of training armed forces of KSA, UAE,Bahrain,Qatar, Indonesia,Malaysia etc. Pak Army Officers got training at Sandhurst UK, and that’s still continuing. Recently Pak signed a MOU with Russia for training. Besides China & Pak Armed Forces regularly have combine drills. The shift and drift in Pak Policy is clear these days, & Pak well knows the ramifications of that, and must accept the situation it now facing.Let’s hope the new government of Imran Khan will take measures for better relations with allpowers in national interests.
Self sustain and we don’t need any assistance
We are fine with it. The officers should get trained in russia and china.
Pakistan should immediately reciprocate by telling America you will no longer receive any help regarding Afghanistan and can try and support your troops there without using the transit links thru' Pakistan as the one sided relatinship is now over. We can find new friends who actually have some honour and are not treacherous.
Considering the present circumstances, this was expected. The Russians are already working with Pakistan to fill the gap.
I think we would be better served to diversify our defense needs away from a single source.
I welcome this development. I hope Pakistan is also placed on the entry-ban-list as I do not want Pakistani politicians to be going to Washington DC to get instructions.
On the other hand, I remember Mrs. Clinton saying and I quote: «It was a mistake to cut ties with the Pakistani Amey. You do not cut ties with the most powerful institution. We now have a generation of officers who do not have any link to the United States»
Aggressive approach from Trump is good, but not in a wrong direction. Trump administration should realize that the new Govt. is in the making in Pakistan & should only keep a vigil eye on changes & not take any such action. This action will give Trump administration a massive blow in future.
If only they could, they would be cutting out all sorts of the necessities of life from getting to the Pakistani people. But, thanks to the Almighty, they have no control over the life line supplies.
The way US is conducting its business lately, it will eventually stand alone.
So what? China and Russia are there and Pakistan will be more attracted towars them. It like denial of F16 Aircraft.
Good for Pakistan! Thank you Trump.
Trump’s policies will isolate his country. He is getting his country ready for a world war of all forms eg trade war and do on.He is Hitler of this century.
The US is concerned over our close bilateral relations with China and now with Russia as well...
There will be more cuts coming, besides IMF bail out and now military training.
Expected move, but it will not have any impact.
So Pakistan should let the Americans and NATO rot in Afghanistan. End all assistance and cooperation. You've lost the fake and illegal wars in South Asia, now get lost.
American arrogance will undermine their own efforts to build trust worthy relationship with Pakistan
Good. There is no trust, and no relation.
Very good news. The Us has always interfered in Pakistani politics through these US trained military personnel.
Pakistan can train its own soldiers, like India does. Doesn't need the US for that
Pakistan is becoming great nation by getting independent.
Good news
Good
Stand on your own feet.
The Trump administration has so far placed sanctions / restrictions / cuts on Russia.China,Iran,Turkey and Pakistan all having contiguous borders between them.This is nearly less than half of the world population with a large repository of natural resources. The question arises whether the USA is isolating itself and creating a natural large block against itself wittingly or unwittingly?.It has huge global Geo- Politico - Economic dimensions and implications.World Order is in flux.
US can be assured that the highest level of professionalism demonstrated by PAK Army owes nothing to US training. Pakistan should suspend all logistical support for US troops
Blessing in disguise.
That clears that Pakistan who accepted Taliban government decades ago was a right decision
It is becoming clear that American establishment is number one anti Muslim and Trump is only a puppet
America, this should be a good bye for good, please don’t come asking for a solution for the Afghan blood bath you created!
Hike up tariffs for nato supplies
What a blessing, a golden opportunity of getting rid of a double faced snake without any effort.
Good for pakistan to keep a distance with so called trump administration.
Short sighted move on part of the Trump administration, not in interest of the US
a blessing in disguise
this is a good news at least now the officer will have to use their own mind in dealing.
Good for national security of Pakistan.
I think blessing in disguise for Pakistan. Now both sides understand the score and any misunderstanding that exists in Pakistan regarding intentions of USA should be clear. Pakistan has suffered badly in the last 30 years due to so called friendship of USA and time to rely on ourselves. We need to understand that there is no true friendship in life and all the relationships are based on mutual benefits. Pakistan should now consider its options. Good opportunity for the new government to do so and start from a clean slate
Trump's politics of 'you do what we tell you' is fast pushing their former allies into Chinese orbit. It feels worse than Bush's era of 'with us or against us'.
Trump will drive US into the ground, he is fighting with the whole world. They put a fussy baby in the white house.
Good in the long run. Should never trust the Americans. Big bullies
now pakistan should respond in reciprocative way,american should must take help from their friend india to fight for them and both will know what is the price of us friendship.
Better for pakistan. I think now Usa accepted their defeat in Afghan war. So why they waste more money on this never ending war.
What goes around comes around.......
One more reason for Pakistan not to cooperate with Trump in any matter.
@Farid I agree. Having USA trained military officers are a security risk. Our own Parliment should have passed a resolution on this a million years ago. Now Islamabad must end all Afghan war co-operation with Washington DC. We do not want Americans using our sea, land and airspace.
Pakistan can't ignore USA considering it's influence on IMF,World Bank and other money lending institutions...USA has systematically and gradually increased pressure on Pakistan.... Pakistan doesn't has Foreign reserves to even pay interest of it's loans
@Iqbal Malik exactly
US is not a stable country in making friends. Very opportunistic indeed.
We should not be reliant on others. We are capable to do anything on our own. We should start taking ownership of our nation building with least possible dependence on others.
@Truthhurts Why go abroad for such training ? It means buying their hardware as well and siding with them in the international affairs. Our Army has the potential to do such training at home. Such training programmes are a wedge to have influence in the Pak defences. Do Russians or Chinese or British go for training to other countries?
This was expected after US love child Nawaz Sharif and family did not win!
Not the first time, they are pouring cold water over Pakistan.
With the world's most racist, bigot, biased and discriminatory person at the helm in the White House, Washington, D.C., what else can you expect?
Irrelevant I would say as America no longer enjoys the position of the leader of the world. World alignments have shifted, trump is making America irrelevant day by day on the world stage.
Are we still fighting the 'war on terror'? For whom and with whom?
Keep your assistance with you we have a new self-sufficient govt incoming. Take care of America we are now going to be free from your clutches.
@Vm it's a past begging govt, now there is new dignified govt incoming, so don't expect any help from Pakistan either.
Trump is the biggest enemy of US itself. Pakistan will remain satisfied with or without any assisstance
Trump is dumping America in the long run America will beg small states for help I bet.
None of the commentators has a slightest information on positive impact on American economy as a result of Trumph’s decision. Guys do some research before commenting
Read a few comments here that Pak should not help US in Afghanistan. May I ask, how exactly has Pakistan been of help to US in Afghanistan thus far?
Did we learn anything from there in last 70 years
Training in Russia and China will be far better than in US under Trump administration.
The USA has and always will use Pakistan for its own benefit while showing a lack of respect.
Trump Administration is in fact damaging US long term intrests. US stands to loose more. Next US president will struggle to undo damage done to US interests world wide. Russia China will be rejoicing.
The fact is the atrocities America has done to third world by being policeman is now paying back by the way of Trump. The demise of America has begun. Everthing has cycle.
In fact, it is blessing in disguise of american non-coopeeative behaviour for us.
Irrelevant really. Pakistan got its own state of art military institutions like staff college Queeta. This was really about PR and nothing else. Funny though how Americans reacted days after Pakistan and Russia signed a training agreement between the two forces.
Pak can offer courses in corruption and double game playing to foreign politicians, we have a lot of expertise to share.
Unbelievable, leadership training provided by an enemy. When will our nation grow up.
@RUMI There is no PTL government in power at this time. These are the side effects of policies of last government
Great empires have always tumbled from within not outwith. And it is the leaders of such empires who were responsible for their demise.
Well this is good fo Pakistan. They should further strengthen military ties with China and Russia. Pakistan should also focus on self reliance both economically and militarily rather than depending on US crutches.
@Ahmed Agreed 100%, Good for us.
It will drive towards self-sufficieny. We should not rely on US Saudis or any other nation. If we stand up on our feet. Everyone will respect us.
That was coming.
The time has come to renew and revive RCD between Iran Pakistan and Turkey and turn it into a formidable alliance.Pakistan must stay away from double faced pro American Arab countries.
Pakistan shouldn't relay on US now. Pakistani military should atleast arrange such high profile training in its own country or in some other nations which can be trusted at long term.
American white house is working on lobby money...
Pakistan has plenty of trained officers and excellent leaders in the military. They can train their own leaders if the future .
@EMP Maybe it is a blessing in disguise . No IMF avail out . People of Pakistan should support Pakistan and become self sufficient .
They are snakes in sleeves..
Good decision by the US authorities. The double game will not work now. Pakistan should happily find 'leadership' training (if any) from Chinese and Russians.
Good riddance!!!
@Zak Don't rely too much on Russia. It is not the same force as it was in the days of USSR and it is still an ally of India.
good
@RUMI PTI is not in the office yet...what are you talking about, dont count your chickens before they hatch Mr.
@EMP The US admin is saying that to everyone in the World...TURKEY is a prime example, any Muslim country that wants to get on the right path...its pushed into hole. The question that needs to be asked is we should work for OUR interests from here on out.
@EMP IK will handle it, inshallah.
InshAllah very soon americans would be begging for attention
Quit being their tool, Stop the supply lines and make an Afghanistan Policy Minus U.S
@RUMI Why should you even keep hope from US
Its really surprising that President Trump would stoop so low. The US government's IMET training program since 1960s, has helped both countries to build military-to-military partnership. A few million needed for this training program is miniscule compared to over $700 billion US defence budget, yet the program has been invaluable to both the countries. President Trump's knowledge of history and world view is limited, that partnerships with other countries are important but he continues to do things which are shocking to America's foes and friends alike.
Pakistan has the best Training Facilities for our Soldiers.
Its OK USA, Russia has offered to train our officers. This could be blessing in disguise as it allows Pakistan to reshape its foreign policy especially with Afghanistan, without certain aspect of external pressures.
Its amazing how 'Superpowers' keep making u-turns over few decades. Russia was ally of India, and US of Pakistan. Now US is ally of India and Russia is growing closer to Pakistan.
We should learn something from all this.
One notices clearly that USA are trying to create division and alliances based on this division, where Pakistan will be on the other side with China, Iran, Russia and Turkey.
need new alliances PAKISTAN, CHINA,RUSSIA,TURKY AND UE
Should not affect anything and it will give other developed countries like Russia, China who are as advanced as US if not more to provide this program. It will not effect anything but US such tactics won't work on IK as he knows them well.
Let us train with the Chinese, the Russians and the Turkish.
The US trained a lot of the central American military personnel, the effects of which still reverberate today.
Why does Pakistan need to send their officers to US or Russia for training? They have their own well established training facilities. The Pakistan military should be mindful of the amount of money spent on this from the US tax payers.
@ZAK Too far fetched. US is still a power but a sliding one.
@FarAz_Canada No decision in haste. Friendships cool and at times warm up. But US has always been a friend. Ever since US made a fundamental mistake in relying on India for its agenda, the journey diverged and our interests are colliding. The day US dumps India, our interests will allign.
If it always so good for Pakistan when USA stops aid or something, why Pakistan should not just walk away from it in the first place.
Looks like USA is challenging Pakistan to stop the transportation and other support for its forces in Afghanistan.
@RUMI
Why so bitter all the time? Imran and PTI are not in power yet
The less we rely on US aid the better. At least now the Americans will have to dilute their 'do more' manta..
this Move by the trump administration is very short sighted and likely to do more harm to the 50 plus years of relations with Pakistan.
Time to dump the US...it is also a myth that nations need US.....we need to stand on our own feet
@RUMI PTI has not even started yet....US policies are based on their own agenda not who is governing Pakistan...
indian lobby at work folks.